Vaio Z2 PMD driver testing and investigation

Updated Graphics Driver for Sony Vaio Z2 with PMD - (Open) Community Testing and Research

The Z2 is in serious need of a graphics driver update that is compatible with the PMD. The current drivers for the Z2 w/PMD are flawed when it comes to OpenGL and have features like Rotation disabled by default. With Sonys lackluster history of few to no driver updates this may unfortunately be left up to the community. The intention of this thread is to figure out how to put together a graphics driver package for the Z2 with PMD so owners do not have to rely on Sony.

I have a driver put together for testing. SirRobin ad Zoinks2k2 have been helping try to figure out why newer packages will not work.

I will post future packages here as an open test but chances are they will not work or install properly so please test at your own risk and make sure to backup.

If you have been trying to update the Z2 (with PMD) graphics drivers and have any information that may be useful please post it here.

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New package for the Z2 (with PMD): *Updated September 19th 2011 1:31AM/PST*
AMD Catalyst 11.9 (8.89) for Windows 7 64bit for Vaio Z2 with PMD (preALPHA 3)

New package with ONLY the AMD/ATI drivers updated to 11.9 (8.89), the rest of the package is original Sony. I have brought this one back to basics as much as possible. May need to be signed.

Alternative INF/CAT package: *NOT WORKING* A different INF and security catalog which is just for AMD/ATI and excludes the Intel portion. This is upgrade ONLY but shouldn't require signing.
To try this one:
Replace the INF and CAT files in "Packages\Drivers\Display\W76A_INF" with these.
Delete "Packages\Drivers\Display\W76A_INF\Intel" delete
Delete "Packages\Apps\IntelMedia" folder
Install.

*WARNING* THIS DRIVER PACKAGE IS MEANT FOR TESTING ONLY. IT HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED TO WORK. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. PLEASE ONLY DOWNLOAD THIS PACKAGE IF YOU KNOW HOW TO BACKUP AND RESTORE YOUR MACHINE. ONLY DOWNLOAD THIS PACKAGE IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT AND FUTURE PACKAGES TO WORK. THANKS*

*Current Issues* *Updated September 20th 2011 2:18AM/PST*
Alternative Install does not work. preAlpha3 requires signing.

Driver Signing & Test Mode for Unofficial 64bit Drivers *Required for proper functionality of unsigned drivers*
1.)Download Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider
2.)Disable UAC (Should be able to move the UAC slider all the way to the bottom. Can also be done by typing MSCONFIG in run and going to the Tools tab. You can re-enable it after installing the same way.)
3.)Run the Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider and choose "enable test mode"
4.)Reboot. (You should see Test Mode at the bottom right corner after reboot.)
5.)Run the Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider again and choose "Sign a System File"
6.)In the box type "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\atikmdag.sys" and click ok (do not include the quotes.)
7.)Click "Sign a System File" again and this time put "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\atikmpag.sys" (do not include the quotes.)
8.)Click "Sign a System File" again and this time put "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdkmd64.sys" (do not include the quotes.)
9.)Click "Sign a System File" again and this time put "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdpmd64.sys" (do not include the quotes.)
10.)Reboot

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NOTE: I do not have a Z2 so I can only play a support role at this time.

 

So i should try the package on my z21 now or will i get the same signing issues as Zoinks2k2?

 

You will most likely run into the same issue. I have another package I am putting together right now to address the signing issues. That mobility mod package posted at guru3d seems to install but then not function zoinks2k2 said.

I am hoping people will hammer away at it with my help and hopefully we will start seeing progress.

EDIT: The driver zoinks2k2 posted about at guru3d is probably a good lead. Need to figure out why it installs but doesn't work.

 

^Nautis, the package you posted a few weeks ago in the SA/SB thread that you said might work on the Z2 - exhibited the same behavior. Installs fine but AMD GPU doesn't work and shows up as 6700 in device manager (with exclamation point)

 

In it to win it boys

 

Hm...i´m not sure what you mean...?

 

We will get this working

 

So Nautis, have you found out something about the special "middle" driver between intel and ati driver package? Is this part different from the driver for the SA/SB/SC series?

 

Ok, here's what I did last night. Some of this stuff is probably known, so forgive any dumb stuff.

I tried upgrading the Sony installed bits and did a clean install. Both had the same problems.

My steps, correct me if I missed something:

• Install/config DSEO
• Uninstall AMD Catalyst Install Manager (express option)
• Reboot
• Clean Device Manager (uninstall, delete drivers)
• Reboot
• Run installer
• Sign drivers
• Reboot

Results:
I had driver validation errors at best, dysfunctional devices at worst. I'm pretty sure I had the latest Intel drivers loaded with the 8.830.7.0 ATI bits. 8.89 is the latest ATI version (for now). I tried adding some additional drivers in the driver signing step. No idea what they are, but here's the list. This is in no means comprehensive.

Nautis is attempting to break the ATI/Intel driver into separate installers. This apparently worked for the S models. Anything we can do to get around unsigned drivers will help.

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\atikmdag.sys
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\atikmpag.sys
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdkmd64.sys
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdpmd64.sys
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\atimpag.sys
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdpmd64.sysigdpmd64.sys

Installation order:
This is probably known, but you must have the PMB attached to install even the stock Sony drivers, much less a hacked package. Without it, the installer loads the Intel drivers, then doesn't install the ATI ones. The installer finishes and asks for a reboot, but the Intel driver doesn't work.

Nautis, not sure if this sequence of events helps or not. It would seem that the ATI driver installer somehow allows the Intel ones to work during it's routine.

Also, Sony bundles the ATI HDMI audio driver in a different installer. The mobility and normal ATI installers seem to add this driver.

Here are some screen caps I made. They are pretty useless, but anyhoo

 

So what you are saying is I suck at packaging this new package. Joking. Thanks for reminding me, that does sound the same.

Indeed.

Well there are a few components that are in the SA/SB/SC & Z2 package that are not in the standard (non switchable graphics) package. Let me give a breakdown of the whole thing.

/Packages/
The main area to pay attention to after extracting the drivers is "Packages". Packages is broken up into two subfolders "Drivers" and "Apps". You can probably guess what is in each.

/Packages/Drivers/Display/
Here you may find two subfolders "W7_INF" and "W76a_INF". W7_INF is for Windows 7 32bit and W76a_INF is for Windows 7 64bit. There may be only one.

/Packages/Drivers/Display/W7(6a)_INF/
This is where the INF, security catalog, and MSI files are located for the drivers. The actual driver files are listed in the subfolders "Intel" and "B1#####". They are defined under the [SourceDisksNames] section in the INF.

/Packages/Drivers/Display/W7(6a)_INF/Intel/
The Intel HD Graphics driver files are located here.

/Packages/Drivers/Display/W7(6a)_INF/B1#####/
The AMD Radeon Graphics driver files are located here.

/Packages/Apps/
Most other components beyond the standard drivers are located here for installation. There are many components that can be installed. Some of them are "AVIVO", "CCC2", "CIM", "IntelMedia", "OpenCL", "PXProfile", "VC10RTx##", and "WMVDecoder".

AVIVO = Media Codec Package
CCC2 = Catalyst Control Center 2
CIM = Catalyst Install Manager
IntelMedia* = Intel Media Components
OpenCL = OpenCL
PXProfile* = PowerXpress Profile
VC10RTx## = Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
WMVDecoder = A WMV Decoder

*= Only with Switchable Graphics

CCC2 also has subfolders where it is broken down into components.

/Packages/Apps/CCC2/
I wont list a breakdown of all the Control Center 2s components. The three that are not part of a standard (non-switchable) package are: "Branding", "Graphics-Previews-Common", and "Profiles".

Branding = Main Switchable Graphics Components?
Graphics-Previews-Commom = Switchable Graphics Preview Components?
Profiles = Control Center Profiles for Switchable Graphics?

*more to post later*

EDIT: Taking a look at those specific components and comparing the Z2 and SA/SB/SC there are small differences between the two. The MSI files you see in many of the folders contain information specific to the component. Sometimes they have files contained in the MSI, sometimes they do not. MSI files are used by the installer. They can be edited using orca.

Now that I have a good idea of the differences let me get a WORKING package together for you guys. This next package will have the Intel and AMD components using separate INFs. This will allow the AMD and Intel drivers to keep their security catalogs and not require signing. It also allows for easier modding in the future.

EDIT2:

Thanks Zoinks2k all of that information helps. The separate ATI HDMI driver is interesting, I wonder if it is different in some way vs what is packaged. Good idea restating the installation steps and dock requirement. The ATI driver is what contains the actual switching component.

EDIT3: I have been able to gut the separates portion that I did for the SA/SB/SC out and use it for the Z2 which saves me a ton of time. I am looking things over now. I am going to triple verify everything before I post this next package, I would expect it in the next hour or two.

 

Thanks a lot for the new information! It´s nice to read after wake up in the morning Today i´ve a lot of work to do in the office, but later i´ll do a full backup and then i´m ready for testing a newer package

 

preALPHA 2 package uploaded and posted to the first post. No signing should be required. I recommend updating the existing Sony drivers rather than doing a fresh install.

EDIT: Might hand or loop when booting? Just tired a similar package on my gfs Vaio SC and it hangs/loops at boot.

 

I can see that now you are getting pump up by Sony's AMD driver...

hope you can provide more information on the Sony original driver?(what AMD version and what Intel version)
the AMD and Intel hardware id?

edit:
is the signing method still the same?

 

I'll eval the new packages this evening.

 

I can also see that you're very tired. Two typos in the last sentence - you need to take a break - get some sleep.

 

I´ve tried the new package. After backup my system i´ve started the installation through the setup file. Right after the first installation steps (choose path, components) the driver setup starts and ended in a black screen. the cpu fan speed up and nothing else happend. No key press was recognized, the only working thing was a hard shutdown with the power button.

I´ve tried no reboot, doing a system restore now.

*Edit* Some information: tried the customized installation with all packages as direkt update over my current driver set. no deinstallation of old driver. confirmed the driver warning message during installation a few seconds before the black screen...

 

Well, that's no good.

Can you check your ATI Cat Install directory and see if there is a log file?

 

Sorry, didn´t thought about that. Now my system is restored, sorry. Can you give it a try?

 

Hmm... black screen sounds like Intel driver incompatibility. I may have to roll back the Intel portion until we find one that doesn't black screen. I am not sure if unchecking Intel Media in custom would prevent the Intel portion from being installed or not.

Let me see double check the Intel portion to make sure it isn't a settings issue. I will also try to find the version of the Intel driver that comes with the Sony package, or one close to it.

New goal is no black screen upon install. Cant tell if progress, or if just different.

Just trying to fix Sonys screw up and hopefully give the Z2 a brighter future. The PMD driver for the Z2 really is a mess.

Original Sony ATI driver is 8.830.7.0000 (8.83)
Original Sony Intel driver is 8.15.10.2353 (2353)
Will have to look up HWIDs

Signing method is different vs our workaround with the NVidia drivers. ATI/AMD driver has 4 sysfiles to sign vs 2 with Nvidia. It is much easier to separate out the two drivers with AMD/ATI switchable graphics which can allow for each to use their original security catalogs however.

 

Not until later

 

Ok so i will stay on hold for the next test package. I´m really hoping that you find the "key" to the intel part of the driver. Taking it from the current package will result in same old version i think?

 

It would but we would need a security catalog for it or it will need to be signed AFAIK.

 

Let us all step back and think about what we want? What are the features in the newer drivers that are not there in the stock drivers. Personally I would be happy with the stock Intel drivers as IMHO the older Intel drivers work just fine for their intended purpose; it is the discrete GPU drivers that come up with new bells and whistles every now and then.

 

Agreed for the most part. For the Z2 at this point getting the AMD portion updated is the focus. Remember the Z2 is a different beast with the Intel portion being used 100% of the time the notebook is mobile. The only thing requiring an updated Intel portion AFAIK is WiDi. I had assumed that the latest Intel drivers would work without issue on the Z2. This is the first I have read of the black screen issue happening with a AMD/ATI.

 

I think mediocre performance and spotty OpenGL support from the ATI GPU is what is hurting most folks.

 

For me the main problem is the bad intel part (open gl) while on the road. In the office i´ve the PMD, but i will not install the working intel-only driver as i need the switch

 

Sorry folks, a new shiny thing had my attention yesterday. I'm going to try the packages shortly.

 

Your link doesn't work for me.

 

It's just a Samsung Galaxy S 2... Nothin special

 

Afternoon,

Did some testing with the new package. Good news is it didn't destroy the OS

In fact, it seemed to work very well, except ATI driver is broken and the Intel driver wasn't updated. I think I have some legacy drivers stashed somewhere in the OS that kept the system alive. I'm doing a fresh install, but not sure I will be able to test again today.

Here's the install log: View attachment Report_xml.zip

Not sure why I didn't bring this up earlier, but there is a pathing problem in the installer. Well, the Sony kit installs into "Program Files (x86)" instead of "Program Files." I won't debate Sony's decision to put 64-bit apps in 32-bit folders, but we should change the mod package to match them. With the HDMI drivers and whatnot, best to be consistent.



Here are some other screen caps:

 

There has to be something I am missing that's causing that Code 43. With this latest pack the following was taken directly from the Sony drivers:
/Packages/Apps/PXProfile
/Packages/Apps/CCC2/Branding
/Packages/Apps/CCC2/Graphics-Previews-Common
/Packages/Apps/CCC2/Profiles
and the majority of the INF which was then split in two to eliminate the driver signing requirement.

Some packages are locked using the MSI which is fixed with Orca. The Intel portion not properly installing makes sense because I basically created the MSI that helps install it.

EDIT:
New package (preALPHA3) linked in first post.

 

Did you take care of the ATI pathing issue?

 

So it could be possible that my black screen problem was while i´ve installed in the wrong directory during setup?

 

No, different problem

 

AFAIK the path issue appears on both Sony and standard drivers. I noticed it on the SA/SB/SC also but it didn't seem to affect things. Not sure it would be an easy fix.

May want to try the following paths: (though I doubt changing it will have any effect)
"C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies" (Default)
"C:\Program Files (x86)\ATI Technologies" (Preinstalled Default)
"C:\Program Files\ATI" (Something entirely different)

If it is a path issue because of something hard coded I will brute force a fix.

--

The Intel black screen issue is an Intel issue as far as I can tell. I have seen it on all of the various switchable graphics types and it seems to have to do with the driver not detecting or using the correct output to the display. This issue has even been reported with non-switchable graphics configurations.

 

So I tried the PreAlpha 3 - ATI catalyst said, all done. But Vaio now uses only Intel graphics, despite undocking/docking. Both graphic adapters shows code 52.

xml report in zip = http://tinyurl.com/VAIOZ21-first

will try restore and use the alternative INF.

Alternative INF doesn't work, according to the log file, "Driver Install: the driver package did not preinstall because files that are referenced by the INF file could not be found."

 

Appreciate the testing Palda. Code 52 is signing.

Driver Signing & Test Mode for Unofficial 64bit Drivers *Required for proper functionality of unsigned drivers*
1.)Download Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider
2.)Disable UAC (Should be able to move the UAC slider all the way to the bottom. Can also be done by typing MSCONFIG in run and going to the Tools tab. You can re-enable it after installing the same way.)
3.)Run the Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider and choose "enable test mode"
4.)Reboot. (You should see Test Mode at the bottom right corner after reboot.)
5.)Run the Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider again and choose "Sign a System File"
6.)In the box type "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\atikmdag.sys" and click ok (do not include the quotes.)
7.)Click "Sign a System File" again and this time put "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\atikmpag.sys" (do not include the quotes.)
8.)Click "Sign a System File" again and this time put "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdkmd64.sys" (do not include the quotes.)
9.)Click "Sign a System File" again and this time put "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdpmd64.sys" (do not include the quotes.)
10.)Reboot

Lots of work I know.
I will still take a look a the logs you posted.

 

A lot of work to do today here in the office. Can test new package tomorrow if needed.

 

I did the signing, and exclamation mark disappeared from Intel HD, but on Radeon I got code 43. Shall I run some tests or something?

PS. It's yours hard work so we could hope of improved experience so thanks for it

 

What version is the Intel GPU showing?

 

8.15.10.2353 in Intel Control Panel
8.890.0.0 in Device Manager, but it also says - AMD as driver provider

 

Yeah I left the Intel version off of it so device manager should say the same version with Intel and AMD for now. 2353 is what should be in this latest package as I did not change the Intel driver.
Now we have at least nailed it down into it being an actual issue with the driver files and not a component. The only thing that was changed with this latest package is the files in the AMD/ATI driver folder. Not sure if that is good or not. I will have to study each file thoroughly.

EDIT: Here is a file comparison to show what is changed between Original Sony (Left) vs preAlpha3 (Right). Note: The only change in the MSI file was to update the driver version number in it.

 

Update. Today i had a long call with the sony vaio europe manager. he told me that the problem of the driver is comunicated to the headquarter in japan and they are working on a new driver version released soon (middle/end of october was the date he mentioned). He was wondering that sony japan didn´t realize that problem earlier but it´s on the top on the list of his daily tasks to give a solution as soon as possible!

Nautis, i hope your are still working on your package

 

Note to self: Don't buy a Z2 until Sony fixes the PMD driver.

 

Great News! Sony can't get them out quick enough IMO. Seems like a pretty big flaw on Sonys part but I guess they were trying to rush the Z2 out before the Ultrabook news.

Of course I will continue work on mods for the Z2. Sonys next official release will most likely only help ramp up my modding as I will have something to better compare to.

The ultimate goal for us and Sony is to make a better product here.

 

So I reverted back to stock driver.

As for the question on memory type, GPU-Z doesn't know:




Intel part - PMD atached



Intel Part - PMD detached



And device manager PMD atached:

Intel HD is just below the SATA RAID controller.

 

Yes, the european manager is with us. mittle of october is to late for him he told me but I hope i can trust this information.

i´ve told him a lot about our contact, your work and the community, that we are very sad about the bad gpu driver updates, also for other models.

I´m not a driver modder, but i can use my connections through the office (it system house and reseller) to do the best on this way.

 

Thanks Palda, I was trying to confirm my suspicion that the GPU in the PMD is a Sony gimped 6730M. The Hardware ID confirms it is likely. Presence of a ATI/AMD HD Audio controller also seems to. Sony probably gimped it due to heat or performance issues.

--
Let me track down the registry locations I need an export of.
May also need DriverView ran and to look for any AMD/ATI drivers.

EDIT: Thanks Sir Robin your connections seem to be working out. At least we know that they know it is an issue and its being looked at.

 

Nirsoft driverview in html and txt in zip:
http://tinyurl.com/VAIOZ21-driverlist

Let me know, what I should do. I don't know how exactly to export regitry locations

 

I will hope that sony really fix this issue in the next weeks and this is not only a "automatic" answer. But i´m sure about that, told my contact today that we´ve canceled an order of 150 units of new vaio z21 for a customer after the knowledge of that driver issue after testing